About Belinda

My Approach

At the heart of my practice is the belief that every one of us has an inner wisdom that knows exactly what we need to heal and live a fulfilling life. But often, difficult experiences disconnect us. I aim to create a space where you can reconnect, and through connection, heal and grow. 

As an intergrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic models and theories, depending on your needs. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can be very useful if you are wanting to explore and change unhelpful patterns of thought or behaviour.  Psychodynamic theory considers how early relationships and experiences shape the present. I also bring an existential perspective, making space for the bigger questions of meaning, purpose, and choice that often arise during times of change.

I have a holistic outlook which recognises the connection between mind, body, and spirit. In working this way, I often include somatic practices like mindfulness and breath work, which help you notice how emotions and memories are held in the body. Additionally, I am a qualified journal therapist and, if clients wish, bring this into sessions. We might include guided reflections and music to support creative, embodied expression through journaling. Together, these methods help you connect with yourself on multiple levels, fostering meaningful change.

I’m often asked if sessions follow a structure. Essentially, the answer is no, as our work together is guided by your needs and at your pace. However, in my experience the process of change tends to occur through what I call the Three Pillars.

The Three Pillars

• Gentle Inquiry:  This is where we start, exploring your thoughts, patterns, and beliefs with curiosity and compassion.
• Letting Go:  Here, the focus is on releasing the parts of yourself that no longer serve you – old stories, coping strategies, and roles – so you can step into ways of being that feel more authentic.
• Coming Home: This is the stage where you reconnect with who you truly are underneath it all and move forward in a way that feels whole and aligned with your values and the life you wish to experience moving forwards.

My Story

I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe and spent most of my childhood in nature, surrounded by horses and wide open spaces. The outdoors was my sanctuary, the place I went when life felt ‘too much.’

In my twenties, I left Zimbabwe due to political unrest and moved to New Zealand where I trained as a Bowen therapist and opened my own practice. Thirteen years later, I relocated to Northern Ireland as a single mother with a young daughter.

Why I Became a Counsellor

Throughout my life, counselling has had profound effects. When I moved to New Zealand, it helped me navigate some very difficult times and years later, as I settled into life in Northern Ireland, it supported me in rebuilding my identity.

It was never just the tools or techniques that made the difference, it was the relationship. Sitting with someone who could hold space without judgement, contain feelings I couldn’t, and help me reconnect with my inner voice was life changing.

I strongly believe that we heal and grow in spaces where we feel heard, valued, and understood, for it is in those spaces that we can truly see ourselves and the stories that have shaped us.

The Stories That Shape Us

We are all shaped by the stories we’ve been told, be they familial, cultural, or societal. Sometimes those stories become cages, telling us who we should be, how we should feel, and what is acceptable.

Through gentle inquiry, we can see these narratives clearly. With this awareness comes the opportunity to rewrite them. In my practice, I help clients understand how these layers of story have shaped their beliefs, relationships, and self-image, opening the way to greater freedom, confidence, and purpose-led living.